YUTOECO has produced a transparent, plant-based film from cellulose substrate, intending to increase both visibility and environmental sustainability in a range of moulded fibre packaging applications.
The Eco Lucent Membrane is said to respond to the packaging industry’s desire to transition away from its reliance on plastics while maintaining product visibility. As it is made from plant fibres, it claims to biodegrade naturally with no secondary pollution or adverse effects on the environment.
The solution is non-toxic, odourless, and free from halogens. As well as meeting the requirements of food-contact materials, it also offers anti-fog, waterproof, and heat-sealing properties without impacting the transparency of the material.
It has also received a “NO PLASTICS” Report from the third-party testing lab, the company explains, alongside Industrial & Home Compostable Certificates (Seedling) from DIN Certco. So far, the membrane has been provided to one of YUTOECO’s catering clients.
However, the film’s applications are thought to range from visible lunchboxes and baking packaging to pharmaceutical packaging. These uses are expected to unlock new opportunities and possibilities for plant-based packaging while advancing sustainability-minded progress in the packaging industry – with YUTECO planning to dedicate itself to packaging R&D and uplift more innovative solutions going forward.
A related development involves a collaboration between the ELEMIS and Xampla; the partners are working towards the development of biodegradable sampling sachets for skincare products made using leftover waste from ELEMIS’ plant crops.
Lonely Whale is also aiming to bring seaweed-based thin-film alternatives to market with the one-year TOM FORD Plastic Innovation Accelerator programme, which was announced at this year’s Sustainable Brands conference. Sway, Zerocircle, and Notpla will receive access to multifaceted networks, leading insights, and brand collaborators to replace traditional thin-film plastic on a larger scale.
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Also, if you’re interested in packaging sustainability, you will want to attend our Sustainable Packaging Summit in Amsterdam on 14-15 November. The Summit brings together leaders and pioneers from across the industry to align strategically, learn, network, and create a critical mass to accelerate change. You can learn more by clicking here, and you can buy a ticket to attend here.
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